A home cook who rose to stardom in the world of cooking after winning the coveted MasterChef trophy back in 2014, Ping Coombes, with her family in tow, were in Sabah for a week earlier this month. Coombes was hosted by Hilton Kota Kinabalu during her stay in the Land Below The Wind.

On a mission to spread her love for Malaysian food in the UK, Masterchef has been an intergal platform that has allowed her to showcase an array of Malaysian flavours to a mass audience. More than just a talented chef, Coombes is the owner of Ping Pan-Asian, a new contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant and delicatessen, as well as an author of a best-selling cookbook, aptly named MALAYSIA.

During the trip, the accomplished chef met up with Hilton Kota Kinabalu's Executive Chef Shanmuganatha and shared the recipe for one of her signature dishes, Kapitan Chicken Curry. A well loved favorite in South East Asia, the aromatic dish utilises a blend of spices often used in Malay cooking and is frequently enjoyed with piping hot white rice or Roti Jala.

Coombes' recipe features a delightful spice paste made from a host of local ingredients such as ginger, galangal, lemongrass, dried chilli, shallots and more. The foundation of the punchy dish, the fragrant paste is balanced with thick coconut milk for a creaminess and tamarind concentrate for a hint of tanginess.

The celebrity-inspired signature dish is now a permanent fixture in Urban Kitchen's à la carte menu, the first for all-day dining restaurant with global culinary selections with local specialties and western favourites. The delicious Kapitan Chicken Curry is a welcomed additions at RM48 nett.

Located on the same level as the lobby, Urban Kitchen is open daily from 6.30am until 10.30am for breakfast, and 12.00pm to 2.30pm for à la carte lunch. Buffet dinner is available from 6.30pm till 10.30pm at RM118 nett per adult from Sunday until Thursday and RM145 nett per adult on Friday and Saturday.

A special 25% discount is available for Hilton Dining members and 20% discount for selected credit and debit cardholders.